Seeing it from another perspective
Packet pickup was a couple days ago. Group lists, chips, bib/frame number - the usual stuff. Nothing more painful than checking in knowing you won't be toeing the line this year. I'm not getting into the details, but this year was a total wash - as in "NO GO". I'm still one to honor my commitments, so the requisite donations were made to Huntsman - albeit a lot more than has been in the past. Regardless, 816 will officially DNS tomorrow morning. I looked down the list and recognized a lot of familiar names. Plowman, several of the former "Red Burrows" and a couple other hot-shots. Make no mistake, these guys can ride. Although I won't be in that starting pack at 06:26, I will see them blowing through the Afton Feed Zone. Never one to be a taker, I contacted my very good friend, the race director (Mr. Awesome) and told him to put me where the need is the greatest. In a couple hours, the fam and I are heading for the ever so beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming to gear up for supporting that operation. Afton is always a favorite, as the community comes out in force. From there you are only 81 miles from the barn. It does get a little busy, as the feed zone is common for all race & ride participants, as well as having a relay transition a couple blocks from the main area. Aiding in the FZ marshalling, I'll drag the hardtail along, as to jet between locations as needed. Speaking to the coordinator last evening, he say's they will need people to make sure all the volunteers get regular breaks - keeping the race moving without a hitch. Make no mistake, seeing this from the inside looking out won't make it easier, but it's time to give back. Still, seeing the 800's blow through will be a gut punch.
Radio guys
A very good friend of mine will be manning the radio crew base in Afton. I know I've talked about them before, but I can never say enough good about these people. Seeing the comms from them starting in late spring, I have a pretty good idea of the effort and commitment they make. Technically they are called "Amateur Radio Operators", but they are anything but amateur. These guys know their business. If not for them, LOTOJA couldn't happen. They literally tie it all together - all while being generally overlooked. When you see one on the road, make certain to give them the recognition they truly deserve, but never aspire to.
The balance
A lot has changed in the past five years. I'm well past the ablation and all that B.S., but I'm not exactly sure where it is I might actually be anymore. Next week will be the time I can reflect and maybe figure it out. As desperate as it sounds, I have yet to have been out on the full-sus on the dirt this year. Autumn has always been my most favorite time of the seasons. Before North Fork became the destination it has become, I would come home from the office and run out on my mountain bike - never seeing another soul anywhere. These days, it is like driving through downtown most evenings. It doesn't matter if it morning or evening, non-stop people. Not being a people person, I find it hard to enjoy those rides anymore. Frankly, I'm to the point I need to learn acceptance of the things I can't change and embrace the things I otherwise can. In the balance will be what becomes of future riding and racing. I mean, you can only be beat down so long before you can't get up - or is that the definition of success? Regardless, things are going to have to change. With that in mind, I will be making some serious evaluations this fall. I can promise the direction will be known by the final post of the year - which may also be the final post PERIOD.
Time to take some....Time.
